When Hyundai came to the US in 1986, they were known for building cheap, often unreliable cars that served as high-school transportation fodder. Their first car in the US was the diminutive Excel hatchback and sedan. Priced at $4995, it sold for about what the Accent sells for today. (I used the inflation calculator to figure out the 1986 Excel's base price in today's dollars.) Packing few creature comforts, and even fewer standard features, it was really at the low end of the automotive totem pole, ranking right down there with Geo Metros and Ford Festivas.
In the 1989 and 1990 season, the Sonata and slightly smaller Elantra sedan came along, boosting Hyundai's total lineup to three cars. Then in 1991, the S'coupe two door came out. These cars were better, but even still, they were no match for Japanese rivals. Although Hyundai was building up a steady lineup of cars, and focusing on improving their dealer network, the boys from Korea had a bit of work to do quality-wise, not to mention styling-wise.
In 2001, the Santa Fe SUV debuted, to do battle with Ford's Escape. Packing more standard features, and a lower base price, the little trucklet did fairly well in the sales game. While no Escape/Tribute, the Santa Fe did sell fairly well, and it was deemed one of the 20 cheapest vehicles in to insure in 2003, 2006, and even 2009. Following up the Santa Fe, a new Tiburon came out in 2003. Packing a 180 horse 2.7 V6, this was the first car that really established Hyundai as a credible automaker, capable of producing good-looking, and good-driving cars. Styling was inspired by the Ferrari 456, and from what I've read, the drive (in GT guise) doesn't disappoint either. You know a car's good if Top Gear likes it.
The first big break for Hyundai came in 2005 in the US. The fifth-generation Hyundai Sonata made its debut to much praise; it was cleanly styled, packed decent power for a midsize/large sedan, and the quality was up a few notches. Finally, after being around since 1988, the car was ready to take on the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Chevy Malibu. Even with its decent power, and clean, almost chiseled design, in true Hyundai fashion, the base price was lower than its rivals.
This year, the sixth generation makes its debut. Using the new Hyundai "fluid sculpture" design language first seen on the iFlow concept, the new car was first developed in 2005, and cost $375M USD. Looking at the car from all angles, I'd say the cost paid off. Not only is a much better looking car than its predecessor, but the quality is up, too. Packing 2.4L four, the vehicle ditches its V6 powerplant in favor of being the most fuel efficient non-hybrid in its class, getting 35 MPG highway. In addition to being the most fuel efficient car, it also has leather as a no cost option as well as a good quality nav system that doesn't detract from the dash layout. Now, you'd think that a midsize sedan of this caliber has to cost good money, right? It starts at $19k, undercutting the Camry, Accord, Malibu, and Altima. With all the options, the top-spec Limited rings in at just $28,740. Not too shabby, considering you can't even touch a Malibu LTZ or Altima SR for that price.
All in all, the new Sonata is not just another "nice car for the money" as the saying goes, it truly is a nice car. Period. Watch out, Camry; watch out Accord; watch out Altima; watch out Malibu. There's a new guy in town. And he's gonna shake your world upside down.
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